Overview & Reviews

For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick among minivans. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative third-row seat that folds into the floor. Now in its fourth generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.

The Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors in every minivan comparison test we've held. There are other minivans that rival the Odyssey's family-friendly features, but the Honda combines those attributes with confident driving dynamics and a long-standing record of reliability, making it an all-around family favorite.

Current Honda Odyssey
The fittingly popular Honda Odyssey comes in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. All Honda Odysseys are powered by a 248-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level LX's standard features include a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding third-row seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Pandora interface and a USB/iPod interface. The EX's additional highlights include power-sliding side doors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction second-row seat and an upgraded audio system. The EX-L's enhancements include a power liftgate, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats. The Touring adds front and rear parking sensors, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring Elite's added highlights include xenon headlights, an integrated vacuum cleaner and upgraded audio and video entertainment systems.

On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its smooth V6 and relatively agile handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasts tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. Compared to previous Odyssey generations, the current model is significantly quieter on the road, but the button-heavy cockpit remains. All things considered, the Odyssey remains a favorite of Edmunds editors.

Used Honda Odyssey Models
The fourth and latest generation of the Honda Odyssey debuted for 2011. Completely redesigned and compared to the previous generation, it has sleeker styling, a roomier interior, improved fuel economy and new features. For 2013, the LX standard features list grew with the addition of a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and a USB/iPod interface. Note that these Odysseys lack the current version's updated exterior and interior styling, six-speed automatic on LX, EX and EX-L models (they previously had a five-speed automatic) and availability of a Pandora interface, HD radio and an in-vehicle vacuum cleaner.

The previous (third-generation) Honda Odyssey was produced from 2005-'10. Trim levels included the LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Motivation was supplied by a 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 found in the EX-L and Touring trim levels had a variable cylinder management system to improve fuel economy.

The LX featured full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX added alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, a power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades. The EX-L brought leather seating, heated seats, a power tailgate and a sunroof. The Touring added triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a removable second-row center console and run-flat tires. A rear entertainment system and a navigation system with Bluetooth were optional on the EX-L and Touring.

In reviews, we found this Odyssey to be a top minivan thanks to its smooth V6, responsive steering and secure handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasted tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. At the time, downsides included elevated road noise and, as the years went on, a somewhat dated interior.

There were only minor changes for the third-generation Odyssey, with 2008 bringing minor exterior styling updates and new convenience features, and 2009 seeing a standard power liftgate debut for the EX-L as well as integrated Bluetooth for the optional navigation system.

The second-generation Honda Odyssey was available from 1999-2004. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 initially rated at 210 hp (from 1999-2001) and later cranked up to 240 hp (2002-'04). The transmission was a four-speed automatic until '02, when a five-speed automatic debuted. This Odyssey boasted dual sliding rear doors in place of the first generation's swinging doors, and it was considerably larger overall, but it retained the original model's trick fold-flat third-row seat. In the all-important safety department, antilock brakes were standard from the get-go, though rear disc brakes only became standard across the lineup in 2002. Side curtain airbags arrived for '02 as well.

Two trim levels were available, each with seven-passenger seating: LX and EX. The LX came standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories and an AM/FM/CD stereo (earlier models had only a tape deck). The EX added traction control (not provided for the LX until '01) as well as luxuries like alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, automatic climate control and a multifunction steering wheel. EX options included a navigation system (not available in 1999), a rear-seat entertainment system (from '02 onward) and leather upholstery.

In reviews, our editors remarked on the second-generation Odyssey's best-in-class performance, which came courtesy of a powerful V6 and a capable all-independent suspension. We also lauded the Odyssey's large cabin, available power-sliding doors and that slick hide-away third-row seat. Throughout its six-year run, Honda's second-generation Odyssey was quite simply the one to get. It won the Editors' Most Wanted award every year from 1999-2003 for the minivan category.

The first-generation Honda Odyssey, which debuted in 1995, had a few features that, for better or worse, made it unique. Instead of sliding doors on the sides, the Odyssey had four conventional swing-open doors with roll-down windows. And although the competition offered V6 engines, the Honda didn't. An inline-4 borrowed from the Accord EX powered the Odyssey. With VTEC variable valve timing and lift, it made a respectable 140 hp. But good as it was, 140 wasn't enough power when the Odyssey was loaded up with kids or cargo. The van did, however, offer a highly functional fold-flat third-row seat. This feature has proven invaluable to -- and highly popular with -- minivan buyers over the past decade.

User Reviews:

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  Best Produced-Best Looking-Best Driving - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Troy M. - December 30 - 5:56 pm

  My wife and I were never Van people. But since retiring and needing more room when visiting our 6 grandchildren, we started researching the van market. And after reviewing and driving the top 5, we settled on the 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, loaded. We travel a good bit and the voice activated nav. really comes in handy. We havent found anything negative about about our van as yet. Fun, responsive, roomy, elegant appointments and all electronics are easy to access and learn, even for us no-techs. We couldnt be more satisfied. Thanks Honda for engineering such a great machine.

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  Kicks Competitors - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed K. - December 29 - 2:00 pm

  Awesome vehicle. Much better than my relatives domestic minivans. No quality issues after 11 months. Averages 22.5 mpg on interstate trips with 6 people and luggage at 75-80 mph.

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  Solid Minivan, but not yet perfect. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill1029 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for a few months now, after trading in a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan for it. With the exception of a few minor complaints this van is extraordinary. It drives like a car, handles very well, and has plenty of power. The transmition shifts very smooth, nearly un-noticeable, and does an Excelent job finding the right gear for city or highway driving. Pleanty of room for my family of 5. Highly recommended.

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  da best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By midgetinakeg - December 29 - 10:00 am

  this automobile is by far my favorite one I have ever driven. ITs just so comfterable I cant even discribe it. It drives like a dteam and I just love driving it.

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  The Honda Odysey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By westrox2005 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  everyone who loves to drive should drive a honda odysey. Unlike the toyta siena this van is fun to drive smooth and gets really good gas mileage. Also It has a tighter turning radius than the toyota. This van drives like its one of hondas or acuras top of the line cars. what am I talking about they are all top of the line cars. They are the cleanesst car company in the world and dont copy ideas like toyota ocasionaly does. They copied hondas element reacently. Overall hondas are a much better brand more dependable and will last longer and not rust after 5 years. This van is also very responsive. I was even able to beat a toyota celica off the line easily

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  Improvements to EX-L would make it GREAT - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jstephens1 - December 29 - 5:43 am

  Purchased in early December and took a 2,000 mile road trip averaging 23.5 mpg on the hwy. Handles extremely well

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  Braking Issues - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Daddy - December 28 - 11:10 am

  Love the Odyssey except for a few problems. Gas guzzler for one thing, but a guess a vehicle this size it is expected. I have been having some brake issues. If traveling at a high rate of speed and then brake quickly. The next few miles of slow braking causes the brakes to make a grinding sensation. Wonder if it is a caliper problem. Also, starting out of driveway in the A.M, I am getting a little hesitation and noise when putting the vehicle in drive. Overall, satisfied with this van.

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  Great overall but poor gas mileage - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DLook - December 26 - 5:26 pm

  Best looking Odyssey ever. Love both the outside as well as the inside. Drives very nice as a Honda should. The only thing I am not very happy with is the mileage 20mpg city/highway combined -- EPA est. was 22/28 for the EX-L.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By saavedra,l - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I was previous owner of a Ford Windstar until it was totalled in a car accident, perfect opportunity to buy the van I have always wanted.Ive only had the Odyssey for two weeks and can compare pros and cons. The differences between the two are below.

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  05 Touring edition - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By black smoke - December 19 - 6:56 pm

  I really like the tourng version. I traded my Acura RL on this vehicle and was not dissapointed. It rides a little rough, but handles better than my 3.5 RL. I drive an 04 sienna on a regular bassis and the toyota has MAJOR body roll when compared to the Touring Honda. The Toyota has a good deal more engine noise as well.